Xeno-Planet

Exploration Before the Storm

One day, John decides to venture out further in the area he and Nova currently are in. "Wait her Nova, I'll be back. Maybe in a few hours. Could be a day." Nova nodded and smilee before he left. She felt nervous, but she knew he could handle himself. Knife in hand he went out, setting a beacon on his tablet so he could find his way back. A half hour into his journey he pulled out his tablet and said, “Iris, have any of the other crew members discovered creatures that have been put in the company’s databases?” “Yes. Though the area we are currently in, which was labeled as the 'Great Alarian Valley' by the company after images of the planet’s surface were originally released, contains two carnivorous creatures that you should be wary of.” Iris responded.
“What are they?” John asked. “They are known as the Mortem Raptor and the Death Adder. Mortem Raptors are pack hunters and among groups of them is one larger individual that leads the pack. These larger individuals seem to be caused by hormonal flushes in males that increase their size and strength.” Iris said. “More detail than I asked for on that but I suppose it’s valuable info all the same.” John responded “Can you tell me more about the Death Adder?” he continued. “The Death Adder is a large serpentine creature with arms and eight eyes. Their scales are jet black and they have a blade of hardened scales on the tips of their tails. They have two fangs that seem to contain a powerful venom. That is the only information reported.” Iris told him.
“I have one last question, Iris. Are…are any of the other crew mates alive? I figured you would know considering you have their vitals.” John said. Iris responded, “Upon checking of crew vitals it would seem that Preacher Velio Moree, Engineer Hank Wimbleton, Electrician Hiro Klein, Security Officer Harod, Dr. William Hofnarr, Head Security Officer Keegan, and Captain Harlow White are deceased. Vice-Captain Nero Vellum and Xeno-Biologist Sarah Harrmen cannot be labeled however, as they never connected their vitals to my database.”
“So, it seems that me and the CEO’s daughter are likely the only ones alive now.” John replied. “Yes, I am sorry for your loss. I am aware of how much you cared for your fellow employees. I must go into sleep mode to recharge my power. Good luck on your gathering trip.” Iris said. Pushing back the tears born from his sadness he pushed forward into the woods. The crew was like family to him over the time spent on the ship. Losing them devastated him.
Another half hour later and he had only managed to find fruit. He wasn’t even sure if he could eat it. But then he found a campsite. It had scraps of meat that were likely taken by other denizens of the forest. On a leaf was a peculiar marking. It was a reddish brown. Upon scanning it was a blood sample matching HSO Keegan. John came to the realization that this must have been his campsite. As he was inspecting the rest of the site he heard something approaching through the bushes.
He prepared his knife. Just as the creature was about to rise out of the brush he went in to stab until the thing shouted, “Wait, stop!” John lowered his knife and stopped his motion when he heard the voice. Upon getting a good look he confirmed it to be Sarah Harrmen. Though she wasn’t in the best of conditions. She was bleeding from multiple places. Mainly her left arm, torso, and right leg. “What the- Sarah you’re alive!” John shouted surprised at this discovery. “Barely.” she replied. “I managed to get away from what killed Keegan and the captain. But not without my fair share of injuries.” she said.
John was about to ask what she was talking about but then he saw Captain Harlow’s ID badge. On the floor covered in dried blood. However, it was also next to a large footprint. John pulled out his tablet and turned on Iris. Iris then scanned the footprint and reported with, “New data sent to the company. Upon examination of this footprint the creature that left it is likely 55 feet long and 18 feet tall. For more data I would suggest trying to locate the organism.”. “No!” Sarah yelled upon hearing that last part. “Why?” John asked. “Trust me John, you do not want to locate that animal.” Sarah said. “If it can even be called an animal.” She followed up.
“Is it really that bad? I mean…you are banged up but alot of your injuries are minimal except for the gash on your left arm.” John replied. “You weren’t there to see Officer Keegan get eaten whole in mere seconds! To see Captain Harlow get his torso bitten off before his legs were swallowed!” she calmed herself “I may have gotten out with only a few injuries. But, if you go after that…thing, you’re certainly going to stare straight into the jaws of death.” She finished. “It’s just an animal. The things on this planet are horrifying from what I saw in my data logs. But, not to the extent you described. You’re describing it like you were attacked by some divine creature.” John responded.
“It is not just an animal, John! When I saw its yellow eyes I witnessed a look that you don’t see in other creatures.” Sarah stated. “And what’s that?” John asked. “It had the look of a human. The gaze you can only get from another intelligent organism. Regular animals have minds. But not to the extent that you can see the look of thought in them. And it likely isn’t the only creature on this god forsaken planet which would be just my luck.” Sarah said.
“Alright. We’ll head back to my camp with Nova, the CEO’s daughter, and get you patched up.” John told Sarah. She nodded in agreement and she followed John as he started walking.